No Filings Yet in the Case of Francesco Santoro

There have been no new filings in the case of Francesco Santoro, a 46-year-old man who passed away at the Villa Sofia hospital in Palermo on April 7, 2023, due to complications from an untreated abscess. During a hearing on November 20, the judges confirmed the indictment of a 58-year-old doctor from the Dentistry Department of the CTO at Villa Sofia hospital.

The doctor’s legal team opted to proceed with a standard trial process after their request for dismissal of the case was denied. The next hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025, when the trial proceedings will officially begin.

The Story of Francesco Santoro

Francesco Santoro’s story came to light a few months ago on Palermo Live, as told by his sister, Rosaria. Together with their other sister, Anna, and their mother, Grazia Morici, the family has fought for over a year to uncover the truth and seek justice for Francesco’s untimely death.

The incident began on March 22, 2023, when Santoro, a dialysis patient, visited the emergency room at Villa Sofia hospital. A doctor in the Odontostomatology department at the CTO examined him, confirmed the presence of an abscess, and advised the family to continue the antibiotic treatment he had already started. Santoro was subsequently sent home.

However, two days later, the dialysis center where Santoro received treatment discovered that his white blood cell count was alarmingly high, and he was in septic shock. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was intubated and underwent emergency facial surgery. Despite these efforts, Santoro succumbed to septicemia on April 7, 2023.

Seeking Justice

“The judge has stated that the contested facts require a detailed trial. The evidence is sufficient to support the accusations in court, legitimizing the continuation of the trial,” said the Santoro family’s lawyers, Domenico Cancemi and Rosanna Siino. They also confirmed that civil actions brought by the family have been admitted, and they plan to summon those they believe are civilly responsible for the case.

Santoro’s sister Anna shared her feelings with Palermo Live, saying:
“This journey my family and I are on is being carried out in Francesco’s name, so justice can be served. While nothing will bring him back to us, this should serve as a reminder to all doctors to handle every case with the utmost attention and professionalism. Every patient is unique, both physically and mentally, and cannot be treated lightly.

Francesco’s death, caused by an untreated and underestimated abscess, is unacceptable. The negligence and lack of attention from a doctor should never result in someone’s death. This is why we are demanding justice.”

Rosaria, Francesco’s other sister, added:
“Another small but significant step has been taken. Piece by piece, we will reach our ultimate goal—to hold accountable those whose mistakes led to Francesco’s death. Whoever is responsible must face the consequences. My mother, Anna, and I, along with our lawyers, Rosanna Siino and Domenico Cancemi, will do everything we can to see this through to the end.”

Source: Palermo Live
Author: Elian Lo Pipero
November 21, 2024